Quick Read
- Ajla Tomljanović defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva 4-6, 7-6, 6-1 in the Australian Open first round.
- She overcame a recent pectoral injury that caused her to withdraw from the Adelaide International.
- Tomljanović rallied from a set down, winning a crucial 26-28-shot rally in the second set tiebreak.
- This marks her seventh time reaching the Round of 64 at Melbourne Park, a stage she has never surpassed.
- Her next opponent in the second round will be Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
Australian tennis star Ajla Tomljanović has successfully navigated her opening match at the Australian Open 2026, securing a hard-fought victory against Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva on John Cain Arena. The win, marked by a resilient comeback from a set down, is particularly significant as Tomljanović entered the tournament under a cloud of injury, having withdrawn from the Adelaide International just days prior due to a pectoral issue. Her advancement to the second round, a stage she has never surpassed at Melbourne Park, signals a strong start to her campaign and offers a beacon of hope for local fans.
Defying the Odds: A Gritty Comeback
Tomljanović’s path to the second round was anything but straightforward. Facing Yuliia Starodubtseva, a tenacious qualifier who holds the unique record of coming through qualifying at all four Grand Slams in 2024, the Australian found herself trailing after dropping the first set 6-4. The 32-year-old, playing in her 400th tour-level match, struggled early, conceding a break in the third game of the opening set. Despite pre-match predictions from advanced tennis models, such as those cited by Filmogaz.com, favoring Tomljanović with a 55% chance of victory, the match quickly proved to be a test of her mental and physical fortitude.
The turning point arrived in the second set, a rollercoaster affair that eventually led to a tiebreak. It was here that Tomljanović displayed what commentators dubbed ‘Aussie grit,’ notably winning an ‘awesome 26-shot rally’ (Fox Sports Australia) or ‘epic 28-shot lung-buster’ (Nine.com.au) at a crucial 4-2 moment. This pivotal point, sealed with a clinical drop volley winner, shifted the momentum decisively in her favor, allowing her to clinch the second set 7-6(3). Starodubtseva, who had also experienced injury issues during the match, taking a medical timeout after the second set and appearing to struggle with cramping, was unable to maintain her challenge in the deciding set.
Injury Concerns and Tournament History
The lead-up to the Australian Open for Tomljanović was fraught with uncertainty. Her withdrawal from the Adelaide International with a pectoral injury raised serious doubts about her fitness for her home Grand Slam. However, as Nine.com.au reported, she ‘appeared unhampered once play began,’ showcasing remarkable resilience. This comeback is especially poignant given her past record at Melbourne Park; despite making it to the Round of 64 seven times in her career, she has never managed to progress beyond that stage.
Her pre-tournament form for 2026 was modest, with a 2-2 overall record on hard courts, including a tough three-set loss to Muchova in Brisbane. In contrast, Starodubtseva arrived with significant momentum, boasting a 5-1 overall record for 2026, all on hard courts, and having successfully navigated the Australian Open qualifying rounds. Analysts, including those on Probahis, noted the qualifier’s battle-tested status and the need for Tomljanović to protect her serve and play aggressively to avoid giving ‘free oxygen.’
Looking Ahead to the Second Round
Ultimately, Tomljanović’s class and determination prevailed, securing her victory with a final score of 4-6, 7-6, 6-1 in two hours and 31 minutes. This hard-fought win earns her a spot in the second round, where she will face Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Ruse notably upset the 26th seed Dayana Yastremska, indicating she will be a formidable opponent. For Tomljanović, this victory is not just about advancing; it’s a statement of intent, demonstrating her ability to overcome physical setbacks and mental pressure on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
The Australian Open’s second day also saw other notable performances, with fellow Australians Rinky Hijikata and Alex de Minaur also advancing. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic began his quest for an 11th title, and 40-year-old Stan Wawrinka continued his ‘fairytale farewell’ by securing a second-round berth. Tomljanović’s performance adds to the excitement, particularly for local fans hoping to see an Australian deep into the second week.
Ajla Tomljanović’s ability to overcome a recent injury concern and battle through a challenging first-round match underscores a significant level of mental toughness and physical resilience, which could prove crucial as she aims to break her career-long barrier of not advancing past the second round at her home Grand Slam.